Actualización en el tratamiento fisioterápico de las lesiones ligamentosas del complejo articular del tobillo

The objective of this study is to obtain information of the most effective physiotherapy treatments for the ankle ligament injuries. The scientific articles -of 1980 to 2004- were obtained from the following data bases: MEDLINE, PEDro and EMBASE. The lateral ankle sprain is the most frequent ankle injury and its injury mechanism consists in a forced inversion movement. It was found that laser, ultrasound, high-voltage pulsed current and intermittent compression have little or no effect in the treatment of ankle sprains. To recuperate mobility, it was found that passive accessory joint mobilization techniques are very effective. However, to reduce inflammation and swelling in the first injury phases the most effective techniques, according to our review, are cryotherapy techniques and pulsed non-thermal high-frequency electromagnetic energy (DIAPULSE). As for the best urgency treatment, the RICE protocol is the most recommended one. Proprioceptive and muscle strengthening methods are determinant in the recuperation and prevention of further injuries and chronic ankle instability.